Lafayette renters are the target of another Craigslist scam

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Teresea Griffith and her daughter thought they found a renter's dream on Craigslist. It's a three-bedroom, Lafayette home, in a nice neighborhood, for just $675 a month. But Griffith thought it was odd that the home, listed for rent, had a for sale sign in the front yard.

Before she sent the $1,400 dollars the lister asked for in advance, Griffith called Keller and Williams Realty, the company whose sign was at the house.

"They said there are people going around stealing their signs or taking pictures of houses and putting them on Craigslist, and renting them," Griffith said.

Realtor Cara McLean-Rolfes said she has gotten over 20 calls about her 912 South 23rd Street listing. But all those calls were about the Craigslist post.

"If you're worried or concerned, drive by the house," McLean-Rolfes said. "If there is a sign, call the number on the sign. That person will know if the house is for rent."

McLean-Rolfes said red flags are sending money without seeing anyone, or being promised a key after you send money, or if the lister says they'll leave the key somewhere for you to pick up.

Griffith and her daughter didn't send any money, but others haven't been as lucky.

"Check them out," Griffith said. "I got curious. It said 'Florida', 'Send me the money, I'll give you the key, the house is yours.' Really?"

McLean-Rolfes and Keller and Williams plan to report the lister to Craigslist.